Shoeless Joe Jackson

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Recommended: Describe the black sox scandal of 1919

Could you imagine being an essential part of the 1919 “Black” Sox scandal during a time of great American baseball and music? He was an inspiration to many. He played a major role in the 1919 World Series and was the best baseball hitter of all time. Certainly Shoeless Joe Jackson knew about the fix of the 1919 World Series but is performance further proves his innocence; therefore, he should be allowed to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Joseph Jefferson Jackson was born in the small town of Brandon Mill, South Carolina on July 16, 1888. (Lieber, 2006) At the age of 6, Joe’s family moved to Greenville, South Carolina, a town of about 13,000 people. (Frommer, 6) When Joe Jackson turned fifteen years old, he name his bat “Black Betsy”, which will be used for the rest of his career. (Frommer, 7+8) When he reached the age of twenty, Jackson married Katie Wynn, a young girl from Greenville County, South Carolina. (Fleitz, 2006) The marriage took place on July 19, 1908. While in the batters box, Jackson would sing his favorite song, “I’m Sorry I Made You Cry.” (Frommer, 44) On December 5, 1951, Joe died in his favorite town of Greenville, South Carolina due to a fatal heart attack. (Fleitz, 2006)

Jackson, one of baseball’s all time greatest hitters, achieved many historical goals. His average during the 1919 World Series is one way that proves his innocence. In 1911, Jackson finished with an average which still stands as a Cleveland team record. (Fleitz, 2006) During the 1917 series, Joe batted a career low due to injuries. ( Frommer, 76) Although Joseph Jefferson Jackson finished seasons with tremendous batting averages, he never won a batting title. (Frommer, 168)

Even though Jackson obtained an amazing ba...

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...Washington.

Joseph Jefferson Jackson was one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He was unable to read or write but he knew about the fix all along. He unknowingly accepted money and attempted to tell upper management but no one would listen to him. He did not take part in the 1919 World Series scandal. Certainly Joseph Jefferson Jackson knew about the fix of the 1919 world Series but his performance further proves his innocence; therefore, he should be allowed to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame. His flawless performance in the field and high batting average during the series proves his innocence. Shoeless Joe should be eligible to enter the National Baseball Hall of Fame because he did not take part in any gambling. He could not read or write. His confessions were also “lost” proving that he did not participate in the 1919 “Black” Sox Scandal.

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